Nationwide enoki mushroom recall highlights broader food safety concerns

By isabelle // 2025-04-23

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Harvest NYC Inc. recalls 200-gram enoki mushroom packages due to potential Listeria contamination.
Recalled products were distributed between January 11 and January 31 and tested positive for Listeria in Buffalo, New York.
Listeria can cause severe infections, especially in pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
This recall follows a similar incident in March, highlighting food safety concerns in Brooklyn's food production.
Consumers are advised to destroy or return the recalled mushrooms and to adopt natural and holistic approaches to food safety and health.

Harvest NYC Inc., a Brooklyn-based food producer, has issued a nationwide recall of its 200-gram packages of enoki mushrooms due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections. The recall, announced on April 16 and published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), affects products distributed between January 11 and January 31. The contamination was discovered after samples collected from a store in Buffalo, New York, tested positive for the bacteria.

Understanding the risks

Listeria monocytogenes is a particularly dangerous pathogen, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. According to the FDA, the infection can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. For pregnant women, listeriosis can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and life-threatening infections in newborns. The mortality rate for listeriosis can be as high as 20 to 30 percent, even with appropriate treatment.

A pattern of concern

This recall is not an isolated incident. In March, the FDA issued a recall of enoki mushrooms from New Age International Inc. due to listeria contamination. Both recalls involved distributors in Brooklyn, highlighting a concerning pattern of food safety issues within the region. Enoki mushrooms, known for their delicate flavor and crisp texture, are commonly used in Asian cuisine. However, their cultivation, processing, and storage processes can create opportunities for contamination, especially in cool, moist environments where Listeria thrives.

Natural and holistic approaches to prevention

Given the recurring nature of these recalls, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach to food safety and health. Strengthening the immune system can provide a natural defense against foodborne illnesses. Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can bolster the body's ability to fight off infections. Foods like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens are known for their immune-boosting properties. Additionally, probiotics found in fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health.

Supporting local and organic options

One way to reduce the risk of contamination is to choose locally grown, organic mushrooms. Local produce often has a shorter supply chain, reducing the chances of contamination during transportation and storage. Organic farming practices also minimize the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can introduce harmful bacteria into the food supply. Supporting local farmers not only ensures fresher, safer produce but also promotes sustainable agriculture. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and contaminated foods. It can survive and even grow in refrigerated conditions, making it a significant threat in ready-to-eat foods. The bacteria can contaminate a wide range of products, including raw meat, ready-to-eat processed meats, raw vegetables, and soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. Proper food handling, including thorough cooking and maintaining clean kitchen surfaces, is essential to prevent listeria contamination.

Are your mushrooms part of the recall?

The recalled enoki mushrooms come in a 200-gram green plastic package marked with the UPC barcode 6975730520101. These products were distributed by Hofood99 Inc. of Oakland Gardens, New York, and sold in retail stores nationwide. Consumers who purchased these mushrooms between January 11 and January 31, 2025, are urged to either destroy the products immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, consumers can contact Harvest NYC Inc. at (718) 596-0777. While the recall is a necessary step to protect public health, it also underscores the importance of consumer awareness and education. By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, individuals can enjoy nutritious foods like enoki mushrooms with greater confidence. Regularly checking for food recalls, practicing good kitchen hygiene, and supporting local, organic producers are all steps that can contribute to a safer and healthier food system. The recent enoki mushroom recall by Harvest NYC Inc. serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety, particularly in the context of globally sourced and complex supply chains. By adopting natural and holistic approaches to health, supporting local and organic options, and staying informed about food safety practices, consumers can better protect themselves and their families from the risks of foodborne illnesses. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk USAToday.com Newsweek.com FoxNews.com FDA.gov